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Exchange Program: University of New South Wales

Sydney, Australia

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a public university located in Kensington, Australia, approximately 4 miles south of Sydney’s central business district and 3 miles west of Bondi Beach. UNSW, established in 1949, is the founding member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australian research-intensive universities, and is ranked among the top 60 universities in the world. The university enrolls over 50,000 students, 12,200 of which are enrolled in the Australian School of Business, which currently places 10th in the world for Accounting and Finance. Visiting students will enjoy a modern campus within easy reach of Sydney’s commercial center and famous beaches, world class facilities and faculty, and unlimited opportunities to network and get involved with the UNSW’s 200 student organizations.

Please note: students are not accepted into the program until they submit their application and deposit to the UF International Center. You can start your online application today!

The City

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, NSW

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Of the 4.4 million people who call Sydney home, 40% are born overseas, making Sydney one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Sydney’s sprawling natural harbor, breathtaking shorelines, and excellent year round climate have earned Sydney the reputation for being one of the most attractive and livable cities in the world. With a lively business district, a booming art and culture scene, and many islands and parks, there is never a shortage of things to do and see for tourists and residents alike. Whether you enjoy surfing, visiting world famous botanical gardens, taking in an opera, or whale watching, you will find it in Sydney.

Student Life

New South Wales students relaxing on the grass

UNSW students enjoy a large modern campus that is close to everything and complete with academic, recreational, residential, and retail facilities. Students have an enormous range of social, sporting, and recreational activities to choose from. They can participate in one of the 200 student organizations, enjoy social gatherings at the campus bars and restaurants, or join one of the many recreational sport teams. Visiting exchange students are also matched with a UNSW student through the Aussie Mate program and offered the opportunity to participate in many social and cultural excursions arranged by the Global Education Office. UNSW Careers can help students find volunteer or employment opportunities and offer consultations, career advising, and interview preparation. Exchange students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while class is in session.

Study Abroad Internship Program

Students enrolled in the UNSW exchange program are eligible to apply for the business internship program, which places them in an Australian business for two full days per week. Accepted students will attend an internship class, submit weekly journal entries, and complete a final research project related to the industry of their company.

New South Wales students in class

Term Dates

Fall Semester (Tailored Term 3)
August to December
UF applications must be complete by March 1

Spring Semester (Tailor Term 1)
January to May
UF applications must be complete by October 1

Courses Available

UNSW offers a wide variety of courses in multiple disciplines. Students are also free to take courses outside of business but must take at least one class from the UNSW intensive term. Use our course equivalency database to find out which courses at UNSW can apply to your UF degree. Please see an academic advisor for information pertaining to requesting additional equivalencies.

The average course load is 24 units, generally four classes.

Language of Instruction

Courses are taught in English. Foreign language courses are available for credit.

Grade Conversion

UNSW GradeUF Grade
High Distinction (85-100)A
Distinction (75-84)A
Credit (65-74)B
Pass (50-64)C
Pass Conceded (35-49)D
Failure (0-34)F

Credit Conversion

UNSW CreditUF Credit
63

Estimated Expenses

Rough Expense ComparisonSemester at UFSemester at UNSW
UF Tuition$3,190$3,190
UFIC Admin. Fee-$425
Health Insurance-$192
Airfare-$2,000
Housing / Utilities$2,995$8,000
Computer / Cell Phone$585$720
Food$2,300$1,800
Books$445$300
Transportation$560$720
Visa-$600
Total$10,075$17,947

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD).

Accommodation

Exchange students can live on campus in one of the residential colleges or find their own off campus accommodation near the university. On campus, students can apply to a number of fully catered or self-catered colleges (residential halls). Fully catered colleges are single bedrooms with shared bathrooms, whereas self-catered colleges are apartment style with your own bedroom and shared living and cooking facilities. On campus residences are in high demand so students are encouraged to apply early. UNSW has reserved limited spaces for exchange students in the Kensington Colleges. UNSW also offers international student housing for students who wish to live off campus. Exchange students can find shared housing close to campus in the beachside suburbs of Coogee, Randwick, Kensington, or Bondi. Finding housing close to UNSW can take a few days to arrange, so students are encouraged to arrive 1-2 weeks before classes begin.

Travel Opportunities

Downtown Sydney, New South Wales

Bordered by the Blue Mountains on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other, Sydney is a prime location for diverse and exciting day adventures. Ranging from Bondi’s Beach Walk with natural swimming pools to the native Australian animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney is conveniently connected through buses and trains that make day trips a breeze. Ferries offer a unique way of traveling throughout Sydney, yielding some of the best views in all of Sydney of the Opera House. The ferries also provide a scenic route to Manly Beach, popular for its shark and dolphin tours as well as surfing. Make a weekend trip to see the Great Barrier Reef at the Hill Inlet located in north Queensland, Australia where you can snorkel or visit the nearby rainforest. For students who want to travel outside of Australia, the Sydney Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport offers flights to Fiji, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines, and many more. Downtown Sydney is easily reached through public transportation and taxis.

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